Ways to experience Indigenous culture across Ontario
Fort York National Historic Site
Explore authentic Indigenous experiences rooted in the culture, traditions and stories of these lands. From guided outdoor adventures and cultural opportunities to art, cuisine and accommodations, Indigenous tourism in Ontario offers meaningful ways to connect with and learn from First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Ontario
Find inspiration for your next journey from this collection of Indigenous experiences from across the province. Visit Native Experience Ontario for more Indigenous tourism businesses and activities.
Nature and outdoor experiences
Point Grondine Park
Point Grondine Park is owned and operated by Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. It is a popular destination between Killarney and French River, where you can enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful backcountry wilderness.
Location: 2098 G, Wikwemikong Way, Wikwemikong
Cape Croker Park
Owned and operated by the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Cape Croker Park provides the ideal backcountry getaway for families.
Location: 112 Park Road, Wiarton
Algonquin Canoe Company
Algonquin Canoe Company rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) equipment, snowshoes and more.
GPS points are available in traditional areas to highlight portage routes, sightseeing areas and other points of interest.
Knowledgeable guides provide suggestions and route recommendations before you go on a self-guided tour. Guided tours are also offered.
Location: Long Sault Island, ON-63, Thorne
TJ Stables
Don’t miss the unique opportunity to meet and interact with Anishinabe Ojibwe Spirit Horses. This friendly and calming breed of horses once roamed free in the wild in large herds, but they were on the brink of extinction. The descendants of these rare horses are at TJ Stables.
Learn about the strong spirituality and history of these gentle creatures and their connections to Indigenous culture through song and storytelling.
Overnight accommodation in a teepee or a cabin is available.
Location: 837 Gregory Drive East, Chatham
Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge Trail
Designated as a national historic site, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is Canada's most extensive botanical garden. The Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge Trail is a permanent installation in the RBG Arboretum that invites you to take a self-guided tour that explains the Anishinaabe People's connection to plants and nature.
Location: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Culture, history and heritage
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
Learn about the Anishinaabe culture, history and spiritual teachings on Manitoulin Island.
Workshops, events and a variety of other programs are also offered. Previous workshops have included sharing sacred stories, Anishinaabe-style pottery classes, snowshoe-making classes and more.
Location: 15 Highway 551, M’Chigeeng, Manitoulin Island
Woodland Cultural Centre
The mandate of the Woodland Cultural Centre is to “preserve, promote and strengthen the Indigenous language, culture, art and history.”
Learn about Indigenous history, culture and tradition through self-guided tours at the centre’s museum and gallery.
The centre hosts educational programs and events and often uses cultural interpreters to answer questions. There is also a gift shop on the property where you can buy books and products created by local Indigenous artists.
Location: 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Mādahòkì Farm is the host organization behind a number of seasonal celebrations, including the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, which is held at Westley Clover Parks in Ottawa.
Art, film and creative expression
Rebecca Maracle Art Gallery
Located in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, the Rebecca Maracle Art Gallery showcases contemporary and traditional Indigenous artwork from established and emerging artists.
Browse paintings, sculpture, beadwork and mixed-media creations while learning about the stories, perspectives and cultural traditions reflected in each piece.
Location: ON-49, Tyendinaga, ON K0K 2N0
National Gallery of Canada
Canada’s oldest cultural institution, the National Gallery of Canada is home to the largest collection of contemporary Indigenous art in the country.
Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Located in downtown Toronto, the AGO houses work by prominent Indigenous artists from Canada and around the world.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Ontario
imagineNATIVE Film & Media Festival
Recognized nationally and internationally for its progressive innovation and excellence, imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival held annually each in June.
It showcases Indigenous storytelling from around the world in audio, visual and digital formats.
Location: Toronto
Native Renaissance
Native Renaissance is a gift shop, art gallery and cafe located in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, approximately two hours drive from Toronto. The art gallery features the artwork of well-known artists, such as award-winning sculptor Thomas B. Maracle.
Support Indigenous artists when you shop for food, arts and crafts and more in the gift shop.
Location: 386 Highway 49, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Deseronto
Cuisine and food traditions
Wikwemikong Tourism
Located on Manitoulin Island, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is home to the people of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Ojibwa, Odawa and Pottawatomi Nations. Wikwemikong Tourism offers outdoor experiences on Manitoulin Island and in the Killarney region.
Learn to cook with natural ingredients sourced on a foraging hike. Experience advanced wilderness eco-adventures or take a “soft” adventure (requiring no experience).
Location: 2098 G, Wikwemikong Way, Wikwemikong
Mādahòkì Farm
Mādahòkì Farm offers many ways for visitors of all ages to experience authentic Indigenous culture just outside of Ottawa. Farm-to-table experiences reflect the importance of traditional food.
Mādahòkì Farm hosts events that honour the seasons, including the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival.
Location: 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean
Beandigen Cafe
Mother and daughter owners Paula and Jayde proudly showcase their Ojibwe heritage in the name of their cafe, which means “welcome” in the Ojibwe language. Located in Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park, stop by for a cup of coffee and delicious food.
The cafe also sells Indigenous products and hosts events featuring local Indigenous talent and art workshops, such as beading and learning to make moccasins.
Location: 106–900 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
Anishinaabe Wild Rice Experience
Wild rice is an Indigenous food that is flavourful and full of nutrients.
Get hands-on experience in the traditions and techniques for harvesting, preparing and cooking wild rice from a family that has been harvesting it for generations.
The family farm is situated on Whitefish Lake, approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Thunder Bay. The harvesting season runs from late September to early October.
Location: Whitefish Lake, Nolalu
Naagan
Discover progressive Indigenous cuisine at Naagan, where traditional ingredients and Indigenous food knowledge are reimagined through contemporary culinary techniques.
Led by Chef Zach Keeshig, the restaurant celebrates Indigenous foodways with seasonal menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients and regional flavours.
Enjoy a unique dining experience that blends innovation, storytelling and a deep connection to the land.
Location: 279 10th Street East, Owen Sound
Places to stay
Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre
Owned by six local First Nations communities, the Manitoulin Hotel boasts designs and art that reflect First Nations heritage and tradition.
Enjoy the warm hospitality and comfortable atmosphere in the teepee-shaped lobby with a fireplace and the cozy suites and guestrooms, equipped with modern amenities.
Take in the incredible views of Georgian Bay North Channel and the picturesque mountains and enjoy locally sourced dishes while dining at the hotel’s restaurant, North46.
Location: 66 Meredith Street East, Little Current
Chiefswood Park
Just under a two-hour drive west of Toronto, Chiefswood Park offers cozy accommodations and guided and self-guided tours to museums and historical sites where you can learn about Haudenosaunee culture.
Stay in a wooden cabin outfitted with a kitchenette, private bathroom and a loft area, surrounded by the beautiful Carolinian Forest. The cabins are available year-round with heating and cooling. In addition, seasonal campsites near the Grand River feature a grill, fire pit and picnic table. Select and book accommodations online.
The nearby historic sites and museums operate seasonally.
Location: 1037 Brant County Highway 54, Ohsweken
LiL Crow Cabin & Pods Courtyard
Solo travellers and small groups can relax on a mini retreat at LiL Crow Cabin & Pods Courtyard. Choose from accommodations such as cozy POD glampers, one- or two-room bunkies, or a luxurious main cabin with its own private yard. Guests have access to kayaks, bikes, and paddle boats and can enjoy seasonal activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.
Location: Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, 216 Bayshore Road, Deseronto
Six Nations House
Six Nations House offers spacious accommodation with historic charm in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s conveniently located close to the town’s shops, museum and downtown area.
The owners are from Six Nations of the Grand River, and co-owner Tim Johnson is a direct descendant of Mohawk hero Joseph Brant. Learn about the contributions of the Six Nations from the historical book collection at the accommodation.
Location: 74 Gage Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Whether you’re investing time in nature, learning about Indigenous art and local history or sharing a meal, Indigenous experiences offer authentic ways to connect with Indigenous stories and traditions.
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Last updated: September 28, 2026